Childminder 2724020

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are very happy and thrive at this unique setting. They smile with content as they confidently navigate their learning environment. The skilled childminder carefully considers children's abilities, needs and preferences when creating a warm, stimulating and inviting learning provision for all children. The curriculum is clear, ambitious and well-sequenced. The nurturing childminder guides children's learning creatively, with a great focus on their thinking and language skills. She ensures that children's previously acquired knowledge is consistently consolidated to securely embed it. Furthermore, the childminder offers children opportunities to make their own informed decisions about what they would like to access and explore next, to develop their curiosity and inquisitive spirit.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is very warm and attentive to children's needs. She is readily available to guide them and reassure them in following the setting's routines and boundaries. Children rise to the childminder's high expectations and behave exceptionally well. For example, before lunch, the caring childminder prompts children to pick their own tomatoes and yellow peppers from the garden to have them with their meal. Children proudly hold the peppers, observe their features and mention it is their favourite.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder recognises and values children's efforts and achievements. She continually offers praise and affirmation. Children's 'masterpieces' are beautifully displayed across the setting. As a result, children feel included and appreciated during their time at this setting. This helps them develop skills needed to become positive, resilient and independent learners.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is very skilled and experienced. She is creative and has robust knowledge and understanding of children's learning and development. She completes very detailed observations, next steps in children's learning and progress assessments that she shares with the parents. Tailored settling-in sessions and effective meetings with the parents, means that the childminder gets to know the children very well right from the start. As a result, children adapt at this setting incredibly well and start making remarkable progress in their learning. n The childminder is a wonderful role model for all children. She fosters a language-rich environment that actively supports the development of strong communication and language skills at her setting. She continuously introduces new words, such as 'rub', tap', 'hide', to enrich children's vocabulary. The childminder clearly explains new concepts such as 'overflowing', allowing

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need to do better?

children time to process this and grasp it securely.

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need to do better?

10 September 2025 n The childminder is very creative and inspirational. When children show an interest in babies, she turns it into a hands-on experience, teaching them how to bathe a baby in a fun and meaningful way. Children learn to test the water temperature using their elbow, operate the soap dispenser, and even use a hand whisk to create bubbly bath water. Their faces light up with fascination and excitement as they explore and experiment. This sparks joy but also helps children deepen their understanding of the world around them and strengthen their thinking skills. n To build on children's sensory experiences and mathematical understanding, the childminder encourages children to explore coloured water. Children mix yellow water with blue water and observe how it turns into green water. They skilfully use squeeze bottles and different size jugs and containers to pour and empty to further develop their hand-to-eye coordination and dexterity. As children

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need to do better?

persevere through challenges and help their peers, they also build on valuable social and emotional skills. n The childminder is very reflective. She continuously upskills and develops her knowledge to benefit children's learning. The childminder is ambitious and committed to offering children the best start to their early education, through inspirational activities at her setting and exciting trips and outings. Children enjoy the weekly trips to the library where they have opportunities to choose their favourite books to take home and read with their parents. This provides continuity of care and education. n Strong partnerships with parents are at the heart of the childminder's practice. Parents deeply value her warm, welcoming nature, with many describing her as a 'second mother' to their children. Communication is open and consistent, helping parents feel truly involved in their child's learning journey. The

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need to do better?

childminder shares regular updates and offers practical advice, especially around supporting language development at home. This helps create a seamless connection between home and the setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2724020 Local authority Thurrock Inspection number 10398147 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a Qualified Teacher Status. She provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the setting. They discussed how the curriculum is organised and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and education, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Parents provided written feedback and the inspector took account of their views. n Children spoke with the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of suitability to work with children.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

10 September 2025 10 September 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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